Sunderland eye highly rated Hibernian midfielder - report

Sunderland are interested in Hibernian midfielder Reuben McAllister, according to the Daily Record. 

The Scottish news outlet reported on Tuesday (21 January) that Sunderland are one of two Championship clubs keen on the 18-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer. 

Sunderland have found most of their recent success through the acquisition of similar young talent, with McAllister said to be "highly rated" at Easter Road. 

Swansea City have also been keeping an eye on the midfielder. 

Reuben McAllister a signing for the future at Sunderland?

The Black Cats are believed to have been courting the teenager since the start of the campaign, and with his deal at Hibernian due to expire in the coming months, some form of agreement could be reached. 

However, if a deal were to materialise, it’s highly likely that it would be a signing for the future as opposed to one to impact the immediate happenings at the club. 

Sunderland are stacked with midfield options, several of whom are around the same age as McAllister, including Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham.

Added to that, the Mackems have Salis Samed, Dan Neil, Milan Aleksic and Enzo Le Fee as options, with Alan Browne still to return from injury.

It’s fair to say McAllister wouldn’t get a look in this season if a deal was to happen this winter.  

The Wearsiders have made their ambitions clear with the signing of Le Fee, as well as previous links to other high-profile names, so if McAllister was to join, it would almost certainly be with an eye on the future as opposed to the present. 

In other Sunderland news, Regis Le Bris has provided an update on Chris Mepham ahead of the clash with Derby County.

For more Sunderland news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone